Ryan Braun suspended for rest of season, admits wrongdoing

Ryan Braun has been suspended for the rest of the MLB season for his connection to the Biogenesis clinic that allegedly provided performance-enhancing drugs to several athletes. Braun has repeatedly denied using performance-enhancing drugs despite evidence to the contrary. Braun tested positive for elevated levels of testosterone during his MVP season in 2011. He escaped a 50-game suspension as a first-time offender of the MLB’s drug policy because his attorneys found an error with the collection process. Braun also explained his name appearing in the personal notes of Biogenesis founder Tony Bosch by saying his lawyers consulted Bosch when appealing his positive drug test.

“As I have acknowledged in the past, I am not perfect. I realize now that I have made some mistakes. I am willing to accept the consequences of those actions. This situation has taken a toll on me and my entire family, and it is has been a distraction to my teammates and the Brewers organization. I am very grateful for the support I have received from players, ownership and the fans in Milwaukee and around the country. Finally, I wish to apologize to anyone I may have disappointed – all of the baseball fans especially those in Milwaukee, the great Brewers organization, and my teammates. I am glad to have this matter behind me once and for all, and I cannot wait to get back to the game I love.”

MLB must have presented Braun with overwhelming evidence for him to admit wrongdoing after over a year of denials. He also must have agreed to a 65-game suspension as a compromise with MLB (50 games are called for with a first violation, 100 games for a second).

“We commend Ryan Braun for taking responsibility for his past actions,” said Rob Manfred, Executive Vice President, Economics & League Affairs for Major League Baseball. “We all agree that it is in the best interests of the game to resolve this matter. When Ryan returns, we look forward to him making positive contributions to Major League Baseball, both on and off the field.”

Braun is earning $8.5 million this season, so the suspension will cost him about $3.4 million. It’s quite amazing that he has finally admitted wrongdoing after over a year of denials. He probably should have also apologized for lying the whole time.

Braun’s admission of wrongdoing also spells bad news for Alex Rodriguez and every other player tied to the scandal. That likely means all the evidence MLB has is credible.